What was already a heartbreaking night for Gujarat Titans after their IPL 2026 final defeat turned into an anxious one when the team’s bus reportedly suffered a short circuit while returning from the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Fortunately, all players, coaches and support staff escaped unharmed, but the unexpected incident added another difficult chapter to an exhausting few days for the franchise.
According to reports, the Gujarat Titans squad was on its way back to the team hotel after losing the IPL final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru when an electrical fault developed inside the bus. The short circuit caused smoke to spread through the vehicle, forcing everyone onboard to evacuate immediately.
Thankfully, there was no panic and no injuries were reported. Team members safely exited the bus and waited by the roadside while officials arranged an alternative vehicle to transport them to the hotel.
Sources indicate that the players and support staff were stranded for nearly an hour before another bus arrived. While everyone remained safe, the incident came at the end of what had already been an emotionally draining evening for the Titans.
Earlier in the night, Gujarat’s hopes of lifting their second IPL trophy were dashed as RCB produced a dominant performance in the final. Batting first, the Titans struggled to build momentum and managed only 155/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
In response, Virat Kohli once again showcased his class, remaining unbeaten on 75 as RCB comfortably chased down the target with five wickets in hand and two overs to spare. The victory secured a second consecutive IPL title for the Bengaluru franchise.
For Gujarat Titans, the defeat marked the end of a demanding campaign that had tested the squad both physically and mentally.
The team had endured a hectic travel schedule during the final stages of the tournament. After playing in Dharamsala, the squad travelled to Mullanpur for Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals. Their preparations for the final were further disrupted when bad weather delayed their scheduled departure to Ahmedabad.
As a result, the team reached Ahmedabad later than expected on the eve of the title clash, leaving little time for recovery before the biggest game of the season.
Following the loss, questions were raised about whether fatigue may have played a role in Gujarat’s underwhelming performance in the final.
However, Gujarat Titans Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki refused to use the packed schedule as an excuse.
Speaking after the match, Solanki acknowledged that the team’s total was below par but credited Royal Challengers Bengaluru for their superior performance. He stressed that while Gujarat would review areas where they could have improved, the players would not hide behind fatigue or travel difficulties.
Instead, he praised the team’s fighting spirit and accepted that RCB simply played better cricket on the night.
The bus incident served as an unfortunate ending to a challenging day for Gujarat Titans. While the franchise will undoubtedly be disappointed with the result and the events that followed, the biggest relief is that all players and staff members are safe.
After a season filled with memorable performances and a run to the final, Gujarat Titans can now take comfort in the fact that what could have been a serious situation ended without any injuries.
For the players, however, it was a night they will be eager to put behind them one that began with hopes of lifting the IPL trophy and ended with smoke, delays and an unexpected roadside wait.
